Stoplight
Yes, this is one of those Instagram Drinks that is unnecessarily complicated in order to get visual appeal (stay tuned for @bestcocktails League Finals tomorrow!). Sorry not sorry. With that being said, this drink is actually really tasty and refreshing and even after stirring it up there is still a bit of a gradient (as opposed to a murky brownish color, which often happens after disrupting layered drinks).
The build is anchored on a flavored tequila (pineapple/jalapeño) and rhum, to highlight some of the vegetal and grassy notes from the tequila. The rhum also ties in the funk of the melon liqueur and mint. The Peychaud’s was admittedly chosen for its hue, but actually added a nice depth and seasoning to the whole thing. Worth a shake, even without the layering.
Recipe
Green: 0.5oz Midori, 6-8 mint leaves, 0.5oz simple syrup
Yellow: 1.25oz jalapeño pineapple tequila (@dulcevidatequila, gifted), 0.75oz rhum agricole (@rhumclementusa), 0.75oz lime juice
Red: 0.25oz Peychaud’s bitters + 2oz soda water
Build green layer in glass. Add ice spear (this also lightly muddles the mint). Shake yellow layer with ice until chilled; carefully strain into glass. Top with bitters, and then soda water. Garnish with fresh strawberry, pineapple, and mint. Cheers!!